The University of Kansas and Oak View Group (OVG) announced the next phase of their partnership with the introduction of The Naismith Club at Allen Fieldhouse, a new, members-only social club.
The club is expected to open in Summer 2026, with additional details on membership, programming, and opening events to be announced in the coming months. The Naismith Club will be a year-round gathering place connecting Kansas Athletics with the greater University and Lawrence communities.
Expanding beyond a game-day destination, the club will offer a shared home for alumni, faculty, supporters, business leaders and community members to connect, work, host and celebrate. OVG will manage and operate the club in addition to its role as the football stadium and conference center operator for Gateway District, and food and beverage provider for all Kansas Athletics venues.
“As our partnership with OVG continues to evolve, this club allows us to create a unique connection point for our faculty, alumni, supporters, and community,” said Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff. “The Naismith Club is a natural extension of what Allen Fieldhouse represents with its incredible tradition, pride, and ability to bring people together.”
Located within the home of Kansas Basketball, The Naismith Club will offer a premium and welcoming setting for hospitality, business meetings, social gatherings, and private events on a membership basis. Members of the Naismith Club and their guests will enjoy a newly renovated cocktail bar and lounge, an upscale dining room, and an espresso bar loft with coworking areas and flexible event space, supporting everything from daily use to milestone celebrations.
The culinary program will highlight local vendors and regional suppliers through a chef-driven, seasonally inspired menu that blends a thoughtfully crafted dining experience with approachability – reinforcing the club’s role as a homegrown destination that feels authentic to both the University and the Lawrence communities. Kansas Athletics donors will maintain the same access to the transformed space on gamedays.
“The Naismith Club is intended to foster deeper fan engagement, strengthen alumni connection, and keep Allen Fieldhouse active and relevant year-round,” said Ashley Kraus, senior vice president of Social Clubs for Oak View Group. “It’s about honoring Kansas sports history while creating something meaningful for the University community today. The club reflects our shared commitment to premium hospitality, thoughtful design, and experiences that feel authentic to the Jayhawk tradition.”
Named for James Naismith, the inventor of basketball and the University of Kansas’ first men’s basketball coach, The Naismith Club draws from his legacy through a contemporary American design. The space will feature warm neutral finishes accented with KU crimson and blue color palletes, champagne metal details, and subtle basketball-inspired elements that reflect both history and modern hospitality. The space is conveniently located above the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and adjacent to the DeBruce Center that houses the original rules of basketball, offering a full basketball immersive experience for members.